Check-row machine



(No Model.) I

G, J HYER 3Sheets-Sheet- 1. Check Row Machine.

N. PETERS, PH m-UIHDGRAPHER, WASHINGTON, D c.

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

G. J. HYER. Check RowMachi'ne.

No. 234,780. Patented Nov. 23,1880.

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(No Model.)

x 3 Sheets-Sheet 3. G. J. HYER.

Check Row Machine.

Pat ented Nov 23,1880. j

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UNITED STATES PATENT @EEreEQ GARITT J. HYER, OF CLINTON, ILLINOIS.

CHECK-ROW MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 234,780, dated November 23, 1880.

Application filed May 17, 1880.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GARITT J. HYER, of Clinton, in the county of De Witt and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Check-Row Machine, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to check-row machines employed mainly in connection with what is known as horse planters or horse-power corn-planters, and in which a linked chain, knotted line, or other equivalent device is employed to operate the seed-dropping mechanism of the planter, and is stretched over the surface to be planted in the direction in which the planter is moved, and is suitably anchored at each end.

The object of this invention is to provide a reliable check-row device capable of use on corn-planters as now manufactured and in general use, and capable ofsuch structural changes as will adapt it to all varieties of check-row power planters; and'it consists in the devices represented in the accompanying drawings, in their construction, arrangements, and in the various combinations of the several devices, all of which, including their operations, will be hereinafter more fully described.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a plan view of an apparatus embodying my invention, of which Fig. 2 is a rear elevation, Fig. 3 a side elevation, and Fig. 4 an isometrical representation, of a springpawl and ratchet-detent employed to prevent accidental movement; Fig. 5, an isometrical representation of one of the actuating-levers with springpawl ratchet mechanism; and Fig. 6 is an isometrical representation of the two-toothed pinion. Fig. 7 is a View, in perspective, of my improved device for anchoring the knotted chains at any desired points.

The main frame of my new check-row mechanism (represented in the accompanying drawings) consists of the lengthwise side beams, A, fixed to the end portions .of the transverse beam B. This frame is of proper dimensions and of suitable construction to render it capable of use on most, or perhaps all, of the popular power check-row planters now in use. On this frame is mounted the several parts of my machine, of which 0 represents a transverse shaft fitted to revolve in suitable bear- (No model.)

ings av on the lengthwise side beams, and is also supported centrally in a bearing,b, rising from the transverse beam. The outer portions of this shaft are fitted with ratchet-wheels 0, having ratchet-teeth d formed 011 its periphery at equal third divisions thereon.

At D are represented operating lever-arms pivoted on the outer end portions of the transverse shaft, having their inner face recessed to receive the ratchet-wheels freely, and this recess extends toward theirlower ends adistanoe sufficient to receive a spring-actuated pawl, c, pivoted therein, having its free end adapted to engage the teeth ofthe ratchet-wheel. The free ends of these lever-arms are bifurcated, being formed of like bars f, placed parallel to each other, separated a proper distance to re ceive the link portion of a knotted chain or cord and to prevent the knots enlarged links or other suitable enlargements on the chain or cord from passing between them. The forward ends of these lever-arms are bent outward, forming an open flaring end, to freely receive the chain or cord. These levers engage stops 9, placed on each side of the transverse shaft, in such position, in this instance, as to limit the movement of the lever to about onethird of a complete circle, and that its inclination shall be about the same on both sides of its pivotal center.

At h are represented spiral springs, connected with the lower end of the levers and with the frame in such a manner that. their spring action tends to hold the levers in their extreme forward inclination, and when they are carried rearward to the position represented in the dotted lines by the action of the knotted chain the spring action will operate to return them to their forward position, as represented in solid lines. These levers, as will be seen, are placed one on each side of the machine, and are independent of each other, and each capable of operating the machine.

At E are represented bracket-arms mounted on the forward ends of the side beams, from which they rise, and support 011 suitable journal-bearings, to revolve thereon, guide-carrying sheaves E, slightly inclined, or dipping outward, and employed as guide-carriers'for the knotted chain or cord employed to operate the machine.

AM is represented an arm, which rises from the inner forward portion of the bracket-support E in such relative position to the inclined sheave as to permit the chain, when slightly curved, to be passed into the sheave on the outside of the arm.

At F is represented a bifurcated bracketarm mounted on the rear ends of the side beams, from which they rise, and are fitted to receive a vertical carrying-sheave, F, supported to revolve therein on a horizontal transverse shaft. Each of the outer arms, 70, of these brackets rises above the sheave, and is provided with a lateral stud, k, projecting from its inner face, which receives a guide-sheave, 7c", fitted to revolve thereon. Theinner arms, 7c of these brackets also rise above the sheave and in such a relative position with the upper or rear sheave as to permit the knotted chain or cord, when slightly bent or curved, to be passed into position-between the sheaves, and when in position to prevent displacement thereof.

At Gris represented a ratchet-wheel fitted with a V-formed notch in its periphery at equal third divisions thereon, and is mounted on the transverse shaft G, immediately inside of its box, bearing on one of the side beams, and is fixed in place thereon by means ofa set-screw, which also furnishes the means of adjustment by which to fix its relative position with other parts of the machine with which it is required to operate in unison.

At G is represented a spring-actuated lever-pawl, pivoted to the side beam and having its free end fitted to engage the V-formed notches in the ratchet-wheel, operating to prevent aecidental turning of the shaft. The transverse shaft, near its center bearing,is fitted with a beveled toothed gear-wheel, H, the teeth of which engage the teeth of a beveled toothed gear-wheel, H, fitted to revolve on a stud, Z, which projects rearward from the center bearing, 1).

At H is represented a cam-faced gearwheel fixed to or formed on the back of the beveled toothed gear-wheel H, and its face is formed in cam-trackways, as at Z, opening on its periphery, and are also fitted with teeth I, which project from its face, one at the center of each curve nearest the center of the cam gear-wheel.

I represents a pin-toothed pinion, provided with two pin-teeth, at, one at each end, fitted to travel in the cam-grooves of the cam-gear wheel. Its ends are formed of reverse curves, producing a central depression, and semi-teeth n on each side thereof, adapted to engage the teeth 1, which project from the face of the cam-gear wheel. This pinion is fitted with a central shaft, n, on which it is supported to revolve in an angled arm-bearin g, an, which projects from the end portion of the center bearing, 1). The outer or rear end of the pinion-shaft is fitted with a crank-head, n, the end of which receives the hook-end wrist-pin connection of the pitman 0. The other end of this pitman is adjustably pivoted to a horizontal connecting-rod, 0, the ends of which are pivoted to vertical levers K and L. The lever K is centrally pivoted to a bracket-arm, p, projecting rearward from the transverse beam of the frame.

At 19 is represented a pitman pivoted by hook-arm connection to the lever K, and its other end is adjustably pivoted to the seedslide connecting-rod p", which is designed to connect with the seed-distributing mechanism of the planter. The end portions of this lever K are provided with a series of holes, into which the pivotal connections of the connecting-rod 0 and the pitman 1) maybe changed to vary the relative movements of the rods. The lever L is pivoted at its lower end to a bracketarm, 5, which projects rearward from the transverse beam of the frame. From this bracketarm the lever rises and extends above its pivotal connection with the horizontal bar, which connects it with the pivoted lever K. This lever is fitted with a series of holes, into which the pivot of the connecting-rod can be changed to vary the angle of rest of the lever. The upper portion of this lever is fitted with a weight, 8, made adjustable thereon to increase or lessen the holding power of the lever by means of its increased or lessened distance from the fulcrum; and its throwing force insures the movement to the full extent of the throw of the crank, and also serves to hold the parts against the return movement of the lever.

At M is represented. a portion of a chain of suitable construct-ion to operate my improved machine; and it consists of a link, 5, made in any suitable manner and of such size as to prevent its passage between the arms of the bifurcated levers, and of suitable wire links 8, looped therein, producing a chain with the enlarged links at proper intervals to operate the levers to deposit the seed at proper intervals. This chain, when in use, is stretched over the surface to be planted in the direction of the movement of the machine, being suitably anchored in position at each end, and with the machine brought into position, the chain is placed in the carrying and guide sheaves and in the bifurcated levers, as hereinbefore described, and the forward movement of the machine passing along the chain, each enlarged link will carry the bifurcated lever from its position represented in solid lines to the position represented in dotted lines, which movement will cause the transverse shaft to make about one-third of a revolution. This movement, through its connection with a seeding device, as hereinbefore described, will cause the deposit of seed at intervals equal to the divisions of the enlargements on the chain; and after the enlargement of the chain has passed over the bifurcated levers the action of the spring connected with its lower end will cause the return movement urn thereof. The ratchet and spring-pawl detent operates to hold the parts to prevent accidental turning and to resist the action of the return movement of the levers.

To utilize my improvementin check-row inachines I have devised and constructed the improved anchor represented in Fig. 7, in which the anchor-frames consist of ends N, connected by suitable bars N, firmly fixed thereto. The forward or inner ends of these end pieces are slotted, as at t, and are fitted with rollers 25, pivoted to revolve therein.

At N are represented cylindrical anchorbars, fitted to pass endwise through the slots in rear of the rollers in such a manner as to move endwise therein freely. These bars are fitted with hooks t at or near the center of their length, which are adapted to receive the end portions of the knotted chain or cord M. The end portions of these anchor-frames are fitted with links t, of any suitable material, provided with ends loops adapted to receive anchor-stakes N to be driven into the ground, by which the frames may be fixed in position. In use this anchor-frame is placed in position in the field and securely anchored by means of the stakes driven through the end loops of the links. The chain is then connected to the hooks and suitably tightened and placed in the machine, as hereinbefore stated; and when the machine has crossed the field the anchor is shifted to place the chain in position for the next row, and as the machine is moved forward the oblique action of the chain with 'the movement of the machine'will cause the anchor-bar to move endwise in the frame, as represented in dotted lines, and as the machine approaches the anchor to present the chain in line and prevent undue cramping thereof.

In use myimproved anchor only requires to be adjusted at the end from which the machine starts, and is self-adjusting on the approach of the machine. By this construction of a checkrow mechanism and a self-adjusting a11- chor I produce a simple and reliable machine, capable of use where other like machines cannot be used, and in use will be found a more convenient machine in, perhaps, every respect.

I claim as my invention- 1. In a check-row machine, the combination, with a transverse shaft and mechanism for imparting an intermitting rotary movement thereto, of a ratchet-wheel provided with V-shaped notches, and a spring-actuated detent provided with a V-shaped tooth, which engages with the corresponding notches in the ratchet-wheel and retains said shaft against rotary displacement, substantially as setforth.

2. In a check-row machine, the combination, with a transverse shaft having a bifurcated lever connected therewith by ratchetand-pawl connection to impart an intermitting rotary movement to said shaft by the oscillating movement of the bifurcated lever, of a bevel-gear wheel attached to said shaft, and a cam-faced gear-wheel mounted on an independent bearing and adapted to have an intermittent rotary movement imparted thereto by the bevel-gear wheel on the transverse shaft, substantially as set forth.

3. In a check-row machine, the combination, with a transverse shaft having a bifurcated lever connected therewith by ratchetan d-pawl connection to impart an intermittin g rotary movement to said shaft by the oscillating movement of the bifurcated lever, of a bevel-gear wheel attached to said shaft, a cam-faced gear-wheel arranged to mesh with said bevel-gear wheel, and a pin-toothed pinion provided with a crank-head, and fitted to revolve in a bearing, and adapted to receive an intermitting rotary movement from the cam-faced gear, substantially as set forth.

4. In a check-row machine, the combination, with the transverse shaft and bevel-gear wheel, of the canrfaced gear-wheel provided with cam-grooves Z and teeth 1, and pintoothed pinion furnished with pins m m and semi-teeth a, substantially as set forth.

5. In a cheek-row machine, the combination, with the transverse shaft and bevel-gear wheel, of the cam-faced gear-wheel, pin-toothed pinion provided with a crank-head, horizontally-reciprocating connecting-rod 0", pitman 0, pivoted lever K, a feed-slide connectingrod, 19, and pitman or link 19, substantially as set forth.

6. In a cheek-row machine, the combination, with the transverse shaft and bevel-gear wheel, of the cam-faced gear-wheel, pin-toothed pinion provided with a crank-head, horizontally-reciprocating connecting-rod 0, pitman 0, pivoted lever L, weight 8, pivoted lever K, seedslide connecting-rod p", and pitman or link 12, substantially as set forth.

7. In a check-row machine, the combination, with the transverse shaft and bifurcated lever connected therewith by ratchet-andpawl connection for imparting an intermitting rotary movement to said shaft, of a knotted chain or cord, sheave E, located at oneside of said shaft, and sheaves F K, located one over the other and on the side of the shaft opposite the sheave E, substantially as set forth.

8. The herein-described anchor-frame, consisting, essentially, of the slotted end pieces, N, having rollers tjournaled therein, and con necting-bars N, of a longitudinally-adjustable anchor-bar, N, provided with hooks t substantially as set forth.

GARITT J. HYER.

Witnesses:

A. O. BEHEL, JACOB BEHEL. 

